POSITION:

Head of External Affairs

EMPLOYER:

RenewableUK Association Limited (known as RenewableUK)

LOCATION:

London

REPORTS TO:

Executive Director (Senior Management Team)

LINE MANAGEMENT:

3 x FTE staff

BUDGET:

Responsible for an annual External Affairs Budget, and for income/expenditure on relevant ad-hoc RUK events.

BACKGROUND:

RenewableUK is the UK’s leading renewable energy trade association, specialising in onshore wind, offshore wind and wave & tidal energy. Formed in 1978, we have an established, large corporate membership ranging from small independent companies, to large international corporations and manufacturers.

Acting as a central point of information and a united, representative voice for our membership, we conduct research; find solutions; organise events, facilitate business development, advocate and promote wind and marine renewables to government, industry, the media and the public.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

As a national trade association it is key that RenewableUK has a strong voice, representing the interests of members and the industry, in the media, to the public, government officials, politicians and other key external stakeholders.

The Head of External Affairs is responsible for creating and delivering that “strong voice” promoting renewables and ensuring that this is reflected in all aspects of RenewableUK’s communications including speeches, publications, letters, press releases, social media and so on.

Working with the Senior Management Team, and with the Head of Policy in particular, the Head of External Affairs is also responsible for designing advocacy campaigns to support the organisation’s policy work, or otherwise enable the growth of renewables and their supply chains in the UK.

The Head of External Affairs also represents RenewableUK and the industry at the highest levels of Government, in national print and broadcast media and at external events, such as Conferences.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. 1. External Affairs Responsibilities
   1. Work with senior colleagues and the Board to determine advocacy and public affairs engagement strategies to deliver on the objectives determined in RenewableUK’s business plan.
   2. Work with the RenewableUK Board, Communications Advisory Group and other members to identify and set strategic communications priorities each year for the organisation, that complement business and policy objectives.
   3. Ensure that these objectives are translated into annual work programmes of activity for communications and public affairs, and coordinate the resourcing of any shared projects with policy and events teams.
   4. Engage with colleagues in Wales (RenewableUK Cymru) Northern Ireland (NIRIG), Scottish Renewables to ensure devolved perspectives and institutions are clearly delineated and represented.
   5. Oversee the development of strategic, externally relevant communications materials (including press releases, briefings, social media strategy etc), political and stakeholder engagement plans, and targeted media interventions (working with press office).

1. 2. Policy Advocacy & External Engagement
   1. Represent RenewableUK as an expert voice or thought leader in relevant industry groups, at external events, and in the media when appropriate. Support the Policy team by ensuring that the organisation’s positions are relevant in the political or other external environments.
   2. Undertake engagement activities (as determined by the advocacy strategy/ies) with key decision makers, or influencers. Be able to argue persuasively and engagingly for RenewableUK’s membership in meetings and on public platforms.
   3. Support the RenewablesUK Events team with the creation and support of relevant and substantial Events, where appropriate, by suggesting topical subjects, content, topics for, and external stakeholders to participate.
   4. Advise members, and other Trade Associations and stakeholders where appropriate, on RenewableUK policy positions, and work with the external affairs experts to get these adopted by key stakeholders.

1. 3. People Management and Budget Responsibilities
   1. Line management responsibility for 3x FTE staff including setting individual performance and development objectives, coaching, training etc.
   2. Attend the extended Management Team meetings and where required, the RenewableUK Board.
   3. Ensure delivery of cross (matrix) team projects, working with Programme Office
   4. Overall accountability for the External Affairs budget
   5. Oversight of the tendering process and management of external consultants

This list of duties is not exhaustive and may be added to from time to time.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and covering letter to Jobs@RenewableUK.com